Where Are We?

--Drunk on anaesthesia. After hip surgery, it took maybe 6 days to become undrunk. It took maybe 10 days for most all effects of anaesthesia to dissipate.

--Excess cerebro-spinal fluid (hopefully) being shunted into stomach cavity. Vital signs are good. The way to know everything is good is for 1) Mom's cognition to return to where it was before, and 2) CAT scans to show reduced ventricle size.

--Hip replacement looks good. Mom still must be careful not to cross her legs, turn her left foot inwards, or (when sitting) raise her left knee towards her stomach and above a 90 degree angle. Otherwise, she could dislocate/mess up her new hip, and require a second hip surgery. This is worrisome to me. I keep a sponge wedge placed between her lower legs, to prevent crossover. The rehab nurses are much more relaxed than a wacked out family member. They keep a pillow between her legs - or not, saying "Oh, let her relax a while - she'll be okay."

--Ready to return to therapy on Monday, even though might still be somewhat anaesthesia hung-over.

--Mom is happy, vibrant, and alert. She has trouble concentrating on reading, writing, or doing artwork. She needs something to do with her hands. Doing something with her hands makes her happy. I will ask if we can give her knitting needles. Other suggestions are appreciated.